EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- David Tyree stood in front of his locker on Monday and flashed a big smile, answering questions about his future with the New York Giants.
For the man who made "The Catch" in the dramatic Super Bowl win over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots in February 2008, there is a growing sense that his days with the Giants are nearing an end.
While New York came into the season looking to fill slots at receiver following the release of Plaxico Burress and the decision not to re-sign Amani Toomer, the 29-year-old Tyree has been a longshot to make the 53-man roster.
Not only is the team loaded with young receivers, it also has a number of outstanding special teams players, the area that helped Tyree make the team in 2003.
And after missing all of last season because of trouble returning from knee surgery, Tyree has battled minor knee, groin and hamstring problems in training camp. He did not play this past week against the Jets and missed practice again on Monday.
"But the plan is to be healthy by Thursday," Tyree said with a laugh. "Right now, I am planning on practicing tomorrow, going hard and preparing myself for a big game on Thursday."
For some receivers, that might be a six-catch, 100-yard performance. Tyree isn't expecting that because the team has probably never thrown the ball his way six times in a game.
"I think that's what they are looking for in a guy like Ramses Barden or Hakeem Nicks," Tyree said of the two rookie draft picks. "You know there is potential there and you want to see what you can get. I am a guy that's always been dependable. I will go out there and make plays for them on special teams."
Tyree might also catch a pass or two, but that's not a guarantee. He knows the reality of his situation. The Giants will have to reduce their roster by the end of the week and he might get cut.
"You know the circumstances when you get into them and you are excited about the opportunity going out there and competing," he said. "This journey has had its bumps along the way but nonetheless, it's the journey that matters. That's what brings so much excitement. I know I am not done. You know, wherever I am playing, that's where I will prosper."
His biggest moment came in the Super Bowl in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 3, 2008. He caught a short touchdown pass from Eli Manning -- his first of the season -- to give the Giants a 10-7 lead and then made the play of his life on New York's game-winning drive, hauling in a 32-yard pass, catching the ball against his helmet.
It set up Manning's game-winning touchdown pass to Burress.
"My experience here has been nothing short of a dream and obviously to be placed in the team history and sports history, where do you go from here?" Tyree said. "At the same time, my love for this game has not died out yet and I really feel like I still have something great to add on to my career, legacy or whatever word you want to put after that."
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
